-
EU ruling on French inheritance law drags due to volume of complaints
Many British and American people in France face uncertainty over their wills due to 2021 French law
-
Latest on tiger mosquitoes in France: where, what risk and what to do
Health fears mount as Olympic Games approach
-
WW2 veterans need your help as French hotels full for D-Day events
Can you provide suitable accommodation near the landing beaches?
French DIY and toy shops increasingly affected by material shortages
A lack of raw materials means certain toys could be more expensive in the lead up to Christmas
A global shortage in raw materials is affecting more and more sectors in France, with major retailers, particularly furniture shops, DIY shops and toy shops, complaining that some of their items are out of stock.
Swedish furniture giant Ikea admits that 10% of its products are unavailable, BFMTV reported.
"Like many retailers, we face ongoing challenges with our supply chains due to Covid, labour shortages, transportation, and sourcing of raw materials," a spokesperson for the group in the UK said.
In France, mirrors, shelves, sofas, chairs, mattresses, kitchens and other small items are missing from the 34 shops around the country.
"I'm missing equipment to assemble a kitchen, it's a bit complicated," one customer told France 2.
Another said that Ikea estimates delivery times to be "two to three months".
Ikea France would not comment on these shortages, for fear of creating a panic effect that could accentuate the problem.
Construction sites in France have been experiencing delays since the beginning of the year due to the shortage of steel and wood.
One reason for this lack of raw materials is China’s economic recovery, with the country stocking up on aluminium, copper and steel, according to LSA, a French trade and retail magazine.
There has also been an increase in demand for home furnishings among French households, especially during lockdowns in 2020 and earlier this year.
This imbalance in supply and demand could push up prices, LSA reported.
It could also affect electronic devices. Apple and Samsung factories have slowed production due to a lack of certain electronic chips essential to manufacture smartphones.
There has also been a shortage in stock in DIY shops and toy shops in France, France 2 reported.
This may lead to a shortage of certain toys in the run up to Christmas this year, or an increase in prices.
Related stories:
France medicine shortage: Which products are affected and why?
France requires increased stock of vital medicines to avoid shortages
Rush on ravioli? Pasta prices rising in France in global wheat crisis